Salary Range: $48,920-$102,520
The term "occupational therapist" is purposely vague,
because the purview for which these highly trained
professionals could provide therapy is exhaustive.
Patients with mental, physical, developmental, and
emotional disabilities might see an occupational
therapist to learn to function independently. There is no
"typical" day, and therapists' specific--yet varied--
skills will particularly be in demand as a large chunk of
our population ages. This is one of fastest growing
occupations this decade, but to land one of the 36,400
positions available before 2020, you'll have needed a
headstart. Certified therapists must earn at least a
master's degree from an accredited university.

9. Computer Programmer

Salary Range: $40,820-$114,180
Unlike some of the others on the list, computer
programmers might be able to enter the field with a two-
year degree instead of a four-year bachelor's. But if
you're going to advance, it's best to think of yourself
as a perpetual student who's always staying just ahead of
the latest programming language.
prospects.

8. Physical Therapist

Salary Range: $53,620-$107,920
This is another healthcare job that requires a minimum of
a master's degree to begin practicing. And with good
reason, since physical therapists often see patients
overcoming adversity: Injured athletes, amputees, and
stroke victims might all find themselves working with
these professionals to rebuild their range of motion,
coordination, and muscle strength. This profession graces
our top 10 not only because of its comfortable salary and
good job prospects, but because it's also one of the
faster-growing occupations of the next decade. There
should be a nearly 40-percent increase in available
positions by 2020.

7. Computer Systems Analyst

Salary Range: $48,360-$119,070
Think of this occupation as a very technically oriented
project manager. Computer systems analysts determine the
technological needs of their clients and then help
configure a system to fulfill those needs. They often
serve as a liaison between the client and another
occupation on our top 10, software developers, when
compiling a rundown of necessary hardware specifications.
Similar to other information technology professions,
computer systems analysts should have a minimum of a
bachelor's degree in a computer-related field.

6. Web Developer

Salary Range: $43,190-$119,940
Web developers use their knowledge of applications and
HTML code and couple that with an understanding of Web
users' preferred browsing experience to create visually
appealing, intuitive, and organized Web content. A
bachelor's degree in a computer-related concentration is
usually the first requirement to land one of the 65,700
expected jobs in this profession, but you could also
study to receive certifications that designate your level
of expertise. And there are a few other good qualities
Web developers should have that can't be learned:
patience, imagination, and versatility.

5. Database Administrator

Salary Range: $41,570-$115,660
Does anyone even use file cabinets anymore? Much of
today's storage lives on a datachip, and competent
database administrators (DBAs) are needed to build and
maintain the systems used to house that information.
Challenger explains why now is prime time to enter into
this IT job: "The educational system hasn't caught up
with the demand for technology skills. ... The education
and preparation people need to qualify for science and
technology jobs is extensive enough and requires so much
that the population has yet to fully recognize the
requirements to do the job." DBAs should earn a
bachelor's degree in computer science or management
information systems, and might want to pursue a master's
in business administration. You should also obtain
certification for as many database platforms as possible,
so that your skills are transferable from one company to
the next.

4. Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $20,810-$40,190
There's no formal training required to become a medical
assistant--technically. But if you want to distinguish
yourself from the 162,900 other budding medical
assistants out there, you gotta get a gimmick. For example,
if you want to work in a dermatologist's office, consider
training and certification as an esthetician or massage
therapist. Keep in mind that the additional knowledge,
when coupled with experience, could lead to a promotion
into other healthcare-support positions.

3. Pharmacist

Salary Range: $82,090-$138,620
There are some obvious perks to this profession. The
compensation is one--pharmacists earn one of the highest
average salaries of all of our Best Jobs--and excellent
job prospects is another. But these literal pill pushers
also undergo years of study, several examinations, and a
postgraduate residency before donning their white coats.
And like many healthcare practitioners, pharmacists
frequently work evening shifts, weekends, and some
holidays. Place yourself ahead of the competition during
your job hunt by trying to secure internships early in
your education. Also consider taking a few business
courses if your program doesn't already include them in
the curriculum, since many pharmacists work within retail
facilities.

2. Software Developer

Salary Range: $54,360-$87,790
software developers should have one hand writing code and
the other on the pulse of the evolving IT world. Advances
are constant in this industry, and having an inquisitive
nature will serve a budding developer well. Nailing as
much on-the-job training as possible will also help,
particularly as some software developers are able to
advance through the ranks based on their experience.

1. Registered Nurse

Salary Range: $44,190-$95,130
One of the first things you should determine when
entering this field is what type of nursing you'd like to
do. one of the reasons this profession will gain nearly
712,000 positions this decade is because it's such an
expansive profession, period. Actually its growth rate
is good, but not out of line with some other
occupations. Registered nurses should grow by
about 26 percent. The healthcare practitioner occupations
as a whole have a growth rate of about 26 percent,
though. The bench might be deep, but the playing field
is still competitive. For a better chance at landing a
nursing job, you'll want to determine your niche early,
consider using virtual networking tools, and look for
employment outside a hospital setting.